Course Overview

Course summary

This well-established Masters is the world-leading course in audio production, highly regarded both nationally and internationally. It is accredited by JAMES (consortium of music, entertainment and media industry organisations in the support of education and promotion of excellence). The course is designed to meet and exceed professional standards and will enable you to reach the highest level in the creative use of audio, and explore how creative ideas and new technologies can be combined, enhanced and redefined.

As the major media education site in Europe, the University's Harrow Campus includes 14 professional recording studios (three surround studios), a new teaching recording studio, Music Lab and an array of TV, post-production, radio, film and multimedia facilities built and equipped to the highest standards.

This innovative course develops your creative abilities in audio across music production, sound design, radio, TV, film and multimedia, all supported by a robust understanding of the technologies involved. You will be able to explore and expand as a creative artist while achieving control and experience of a professional audio environment.

Course structure

The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.

Core modules

This module will introduce you to associated programming packages for multimedia applications. You will explore the innovative interface design techniques, and work on developing sound design for interactive media, including small apps and computer games.

Focusing on the creative applications of technology, theories and professional production practices, this module will develop into a study brief incorporating the construction of a radio drama, radio programme, film trailer assembly and surround mix. It will also include a substantial piece of sound-to-picture work, including location recording, music and audio post for film and broadcast media.

This module facilitates learning of the key skills in creative industries business, entrepreneurship and project management. You are given the opportunity to develop their business ideas from concept to completion through the production of digital media outlets whilst using PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environment) methodology.

This module will develop your professional practice of the creative industries through in-depth understanding of both practical and theoretical aspects of music recording and production processes, including mixing, remixing and mastering in stereo and surround.

You will examine in detail the digital manipulation of audio data, location recording and Foley, the creation of sound libraries, and sound design for animation, enabling you to produce work to industry standards.

Programme Specification

For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the programme specification.

Principal Lecturer

In addition to course leadership of the Audio Production MA, Matej leads Documentary Film and Contemporary World Cinema modules, (MA Film & TV), and lectures Narrative Forms on MA Screenwriting and Producing course. His academic experience also include 5 year stretch at the American Intercontinental University, where he had developed number of audio and visual courses for Media Production and Visual Communication Departments.

Investigates the impact of sound and music on structure and the perception of the visual narrative.

Course Team

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) or lower with substantial experience. Applicants who do not meet the normal entry requirement who have a strong portfolio and professional industry experience can be considered. Each application will be considered on its own merits. In addition to a portfolio of audio and/or audio visual production works, demonstrating your potential to work in audio at a high level, you should be able to discuss how the course will enable you to build towards a diverse career as creative contemporary audio producer and sound specialist. Interviews can be by Skype or telephone.

If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each element.

A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2) or lower with substantial experience. Applicants who do not meet the normal entry requirement who have a strong portfolio and professional industry experience can be considered. Each application will be considered on its own merits. In addition to a portfolio of audio and/or audio visual production works, demonstrating your potential to work in audio at a high level, you should be able to discuss how the course will enable you to build towards a diverse career as creative contemporary audio producer and sound specialist. Interviews can be by Skype or telephone.

If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each element.

"When it comes to studying for your career, I don't think you can be too narrow in your outlook these days. My job is very varied, I'm part of a team that works across all of the BBC radio studios, and gets involved in everything from Glastonbury to the Proms. My Masters was something very, very important to me. Before I started, I was set on what I wanted to do, but the course opened up a lot of other options for me. And you are treated very professionally on the course, almost like a client, but you have to be prepared to work hard." - Ainhoa Costa, Creative Executive, BBC Global News

"I grew up surrounded by professional musicians that gave me the opportunity to study different instruments. After choosing guitar as my main instrument and exploring a multi effect processor I realised that crafting sound was my passion. Having started by recording myself and other garage bands I got the opportunity to move to London and quickly got involved with bands like LadyHawke and Franz Ferdinand. Due to my Pro Tools skills I was called to an ADR recording session with Ian Hart. Since then I’ve been divided between Music and Film. In 2011 I started freelancing at Pinewood Group as a Sound Editor, working with clients like Sony, Paramount, Marvel and Disney." - Martim Crawford, UK

"I'm back in Colombia and I'm doing great! I'm producing two albums of important artists here, doing more documentary music for the Discovery Channel and I'm also teaching Advanced Mixing Techniques in Studio Atico, which is part of the Javeriana University. It's a new studio built by John Storyk and it's the second biggest in all Latin America! Once again, thank you for such an amazing year and educational experience!!" - Juan Salazar, Colombia

"...none of us could have made it without you both and I am especially grateful for the support you gave me during what was a difficult summer (but ended triumphantly regarding the course). Thanks to all of you for your help, understanding and wise/inspiring words. This didn't kill me so I'm sure it's made me stronger!" - Ian Roulllier, UK

We're proud of our high-achieving former students who hold influential positions across the music industry. Our graduates are engineers, producers, managers, musicians and award-winners.

Our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.

With a growing network of over 3,000 employers around the world and a team of experienced careers consultants, we provide you with a variety of opportunities to work and develop new skills. As a University of Westminster student, you’ll have access to our services throughout your studies and after you graduate.

Facilities

We offer fully equipped rehearsal rooms, state-of-the-art recording studios and a brand new live music venue. We aim to give our students first-hand experience of "real world" recording environments and to set them on their paths to successful music industry careers.

Additional costs

Course Location

The vibrant home of our creative, media and digital courses, the Harrow Campus offers one of the richest portfolios of creative industry research and learning in Europe. The recent redevelopment of the campus has seen the creation of fluid, informal learning spaces, dedicated project and gallery spaces and a revamped library. For more details, visit our Harrow Campus page.